Steve Bruce's problems at Newcastle United are being accelerated by the fact he hasn't had any investment from owner Mike Ashley.
That's the view of pundit Karen Carney who told listeners on BBC 5 Live that Bruce 'needs players.'
There is no doubting that Bruce is in desperate need of a new midfielder this January but with the budget at United taking hit due to the Coronavirus, it's unlikely any permanent arrivals will materialise.
England legend Carney believes that Bruce has been let down by the lack of investment at the club, and he can 'only work with' the squad he has.
Speaking during Newcastle's 3-0 defeat to Arsenal, Carney said: "Steve Bruce needs players. You are only as good as your players and I feel harsh for saying that about the Newcastle players but he can only work with what he has got.
"Bruce has tried tonight; he has tried something different, different shapes but he needs players and investment - and he hasn't had that."
The summer of 2020 saw Bruce bring in Callum Wilson and Jamal Lewis for a combined £27 million whilst Jeff Hendrick and Ryan Fraser both arrived on free transfers.
United have now gone nine without a win in all competitions and there is a genuine threat of the club being dragged into a relegation threat with only a seven-point cushion to the drop zone.
